Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Mouthwatering Comfort in a Bowl

Ever had a dish so hearty it could warm your soul and fill your belly at the same time? Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is just that! This creamy, blissful mix of seasoned ground beef, hearty potatoes, and tangy cheese takes comfort food to a whole new level. Plus, it’s all made in one pot—you’ll hardly have any cleanup to tackle afterward. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’ll have your family asking for seconds (or maybe even thirds!).

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for a few reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy to whip up; toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work. Who doesn’t love minimal effort for maximum flavor? Secondly, it’s budget-friendly—with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Lastly, this dish is totally family-friendly. It’s the kind of meal that even picky eaters can’t resist.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes (like O’Brien hash browns with peppers and onions or plain diced hash browns)
• 1 can (15-ounce) whole kernel corn (drained)
• 1 can (10-ounce) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 can (10.75-ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth or milk
• 1 teaspoon dried paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste; start with 1/2 teaspoon, adjust after cooking)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon (for topping, optional)

Directions

1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, mix together the cooked beef, frozen potatoes, corn, Rotel, soup, broth or milk, and all the seasonings (paprika, parsley, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt).
3. Cheesy Goodness: Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese into the mixture.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are tender.
5. Top It Off: Before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and let it melt. Finish with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon if using.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out a heaping portion, dig in, and savor every cheesy bite!

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole (Overview)

Making this casserole feels like a walk in the park! Start by browning your beef with the onions and garlic to maximize the flavor. After that, mix everything in your slow cooker—yes, I mean everything. Toss in those fun frozen potatoes, corn, and that comforting cream of mushroom soup. As you cook, your home fills with an irresistible aroma that could entice any hungry soul. And hey, pro tip: Don’t skip the cheese! It ties all the flavors together beautifully. 🍴

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Serve this dish hot, with the melted cheese bubbling and a golden crust on top. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra cheesy goodness. It’s not just a meal; it’s a colorful symphony of flavor and comfort in every bite. You’ll have a bowl of steaming deliciousness that looks and smells irresistible. 🤤

How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Leftovers? No problem! Store your casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Who says comfort food can’t be make-ahead?

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

• Timing is Key: If you’re in a hurry, cook on high; just make sure to keep an eye on it.
• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option.
• Texture Twist: If you enjoy a little crunch, consider broiling the casserole briefly after cooking to brown the top.
• Unleash Your Creativity: Add in any other veggies you have on hand—zucchini or bell peppers work great!

Variation

Want to jazz it up? Switch out the cream of mushroom soup for a cream of celery or even a vegan alternative for a twist! You can also use vegan cheese to make it dairy-free or throw in some black beans for an extra protein punch if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the beef?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even hearty beans can work wonders.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, prep it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just set it in the slow cooker in the morning.

3. Can I freeze the casserole?
   For sure! It freezes well. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Cowboy Potato Casserole

This creamy blend of seasoned ground beef, hearty potatoes, and tangy cheese is the ultimate comfort food, all made in a slow cooker with minimal cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds ground beef or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes like O’Brien hash browns with peppers and onions or plain diced hash browns
• 1 can whole kernel corn (15-ounce), drained
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10-ounce), undrained
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75-ounce) can be substituted with cream of celery or vegan alternative

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup beef broth or milk
• 1 teaspoon dried paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional) for color
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste; start with 1/2 teaspoon, adjust after cooking

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon, optional for topping

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a skillet, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
• In your slow cooker, mix together the cooked beef, frozen potatoes, corn, Rotel, soup, broth or milk, and all the seasonings (paprika, parsley, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt).

Cooking

• Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese into the mixture.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are tender.
• Before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and let it melt. Finish with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon if using.

Serving

• Scoop out a heaping portion, dig in, and savor every cheesy bite!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Keyword Beef, Casserole, comfort food, Potatoes, Slow Cooker